Venting and discharge valve for tanks



m. 18, 1947. c. H. scorr VEiITING AND DISCHARGE VALVES FOR TANKS Filed ha 25, 1940 e Sheets-Sheet 1 llsco-rr j INVENTOR.

Gmzns ATTORNEY Nov. 18, 194 7.

' c. H. sco'n' 2,430,956

VENTING AND DISCHARGE VALVES FOR TANKS Filed May 25, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR jfm A; ATTORNEY 424 mar/A Scarr- Nov. 18, 1947. c. H. SCOTT 2,430,956

VENTING AND DISCHARGE VALVES FOR TANKS Fi led May 25, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 lNVENTOiQ CAEL YLE 5C0 TT A; ATTORNEY Nov. 18, 1947. I

C. H. SCOTT I VENTING AND DISCHQRGE VALVES FOR TANKS Filed llay 25, 1940 I e Sheets-Sheet 4 6141a :44 E Scar -r iavjfm 4:4 ATTORNEY Nov. 18, 1947. an. scoTT VENTING AND DISCHARGE VALVES FOR TANKS Filed May 25, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR 62m YLE ,Saorr 2 ATTORNEY Nov. 18, 1947. c, H, SCQTT 2,430,956

VENTING AND DISCHARGE VALVES FOR TANKS A ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 18, 1947 I.

UNlTED *STATES" PATENT OFFICE VENTING AND DISCHARGE VALVE v FOR TANKS Carlyle H. Scott, Forest Hills, N. Y., assignor to,

The Safety Truck Tank Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application May 25, 1940, Serial'No. 337,268

is Claims. 1

This invention relates to tanks for trucks; more particularly to constructional features of tanks.

over my Patent No. 1,705,649, March 19, 1929, for Truck tank for liquids.

Tanks for trucks or similar containers for inflammable substances which are of hazardous nature, as known to me, particularly in the storage, transportation and dispensing of liquids such as gasoline, generally include discharge passages and valving means for the same. Rapidity of discharge, particularly from a closed vessel, re-

quires venting contrivances to eliminate the back pressure of the liquid flow in discharging, so that rapidity of dispensing may be achieved. Wheresuch contrivances are incorporated in tanks for trucks of present-day construction, the'size and the bulk of these contrivances introduce problems in maintenance, in order that the hazard of handling these combustible liquids during storage, transportation or dispensing may be minimized.

In devices known to me, efforts have been made to minimize the hazard of storage, transportation and dispensing of inflammable products by partitioning an extended tank into individual containers or chambers, thereby to localize the hazard to only a small portion of the liquid that is being transported.

Devices of this character as known to me, by

.reason of the size and bulk of these tanks have included a partitioned large tank, with independent discharge means from the separate chambers connected to a common discharge header and operative means for selectivity con trolling a discharge valve from the various chambers. An example of such latterly described tank truck is illustrated in my patent aforementioned.

sequent necessity for using stufling boxes through which the operatormoves or is directed through the various chambers. This use of pierced heads in the partitions of the tanks and the leakage occurring, by reason of the stuffing boxes used have introduced a hazard which my present invention overcomes.

Another element of hazard is incident to the V need for venting these tanks. Where I have attempted to employ manually operable vents, the human factor is not eliminated and human failure in closing or operating these vents ha While certain fire hazards are eliminated by my patent aforementioned, the extensiveness and size of these trucks, and the need for selectively operating discharge valves from a remote point entail the employment of an operator for the discharge valve which, in being directed through the various partitions defining the separate chambers, requires piercing of the heads and partitions,

to support the operating member, with the conintroduced an additional hazard.

While spring pressed, vacuum operated ventsare known to me, which are dependent for operation upon the partial reduction in pressure during discharge of the liquid, this type of vent does not take care of the release of pressure in the event of an ccidental fire or undue exposure to heat and the potential force of a sealed chamber is well recognized' Furthermore, where the vent depends for operation upon a partial reduction in pressure, the full limit of action is not always available unless these vents are religiously inspected and main- I tained in proper operation.

Where these vents are dependent upon independent manual operation or spring pressure -for operation, they are incapable of giving {3111 operating efficiency due todeterioration in the valve member parts.

Where I have used venting valves intended to release an undue accumulation of pressure in any chamber, these valves, unless carefully inspected, may, by reason of lack of use, become inefficient and fail when the occasion'arises for their operation.

Lack of coordination of operation of venting with the discharge of this fluid has also been a source of hazard, due to the uncertainty of opera tion in discharging.

It is therefore an object of my invention to provide in a tank of the character described, a coordinated relationship of the controls for storing, transporting and dispensing of inflammable material herein mentioned, to minimize fire hazard during handling, transporting and dispensing of these inflammable materials. More particularly, my invention has as its object the provision of a tank which is free from leakage of gasiform materials by avoiding the employment of tank heads or partitions pierced at any point, and to locate operative means controlling the proper dispensing or discharge of the liquids from the chamber or chambers at the highest loyal nos- 3 sible within the respective chambers defined by the head and partitions of a truck tank, with positiveness of operation and freedom from human failureand mechanical deficiencies due to infrequent use of any of these parts;-

It is further contemplated'by my invention to coordinate in a tank of the character described, mechanism for controlling the vent valve, the compartment outlets and the discharge ,valves wherein a single manual control operates these valves with maximum efliciency for their intended purpose, with the frequency with which the various compartments are employed, thereby to assure efficient maintenance by active use. It is further contemplated as an object of my invention to avoid hazards in handling inflammable materials of the character described by including combined in tanks of the character described, mechanism for inter-relating the control of the vent valve, the compartment outlet valve and the discharge header valves so that a single manipulative action simultaneously operates all of these valves from a single location, not only thereby reducing the labor in coordinating these members, but'to assure their proper maintenance due to positiveness of action on eachoccasion of dispensing or discharging of the fluids for which these tanks are intended.

It is further contemplatedas an object of my invention to provide, in a tank of the character described, pressure relief for each compartment by the inclusion of a breather or safety relief valve which may open when hazardous, pressures develop in such compartments, and assure proper maintenance of such safety equipment by operatively connecting the same for action with the movement incident to the use of individual com- .partment valves and main outlet or header valves.

Thus, it is contemplated by my invention that the operation of a compartment outlet valve and the main discharge header valves will simultaneously manipulate pressure relief valves supplied for each compartment, so that the mechanical action in using a, compartment discharge valve and main header outlet valve will keep these relief or safety contrivances in proper operation, by actual use with the frequency with which the main tank is used for dispensing and discharging the fluid carried therein.

Thus, also, it is contemplated by me to embody in a tank of the character described, contrivances for simultaneously operating compartment discharge valves with operation of safety release and/or venting valves, preferably, additionally, with a, simultaneous operation of a main discharge valve, not only to obtain facility of operation in the labor involved in attending to the same, but to obtain full efliciency and maintenance of efficiency in the results obtained by positive, constant andfrequent mobility or articulation of these parts, as contrasted with other contrivances known to me which encounter failure or ineflicient operation as caused by disuse rather than any inherent structural defect in design in their initial installation.

It is further an object of my invention to provide, for use in atank of the character described and/or in combination therewith, a, novel construction comprising a combination of venting means and safety relief means in which substantially the same contrivance or valve acts for venting in normal operation and as a safety or pressure relief valve in cases of unsafe accumulation of pressure within the tank compartments, and further characterized by constructional features in which the hazardsof stufflng boxes or movable joints are eliminated and efficient maintenance is achieved by the mobility of action obtained in operating the movement of the individual compartment valves conjointly and positively with such relief or venting valve, and with the frequency of action obtained in operating the rear outlet or main discharge valve for dispensing the liquid from any individual compartment. I

For the attainment of the foregoing objects, as to independent details and for the purpose of such further objects as may appear herein or be hereinafter pointed out, I make reference to the accompanying drawings, forming a part hereof, in which:

Figure l is a side view of my construction, pertions of which are sectioned and broken away to disclose the details;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the same, portions being broken away to show additional details;

Figure 3 is a rear view, portions being broken away to show the details;

Figure 4 is a section taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 1; k

Figure 5 is a fragmentary enlarged longitudinal sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 2, with the control compartment door open and the operator arranged for discharge;

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view corresponding to Figure 5, with the operating handle in the closed position;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary end elevation of the parts shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a, fragmentary detail of the hose vent valve;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary detail in side elevation of the safety hose mounting;

Figure 10 is a section taken on the line Ill-I0 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view disclosing the combination safety relief venting and outlet valves;

Figure 12 is a plan view of the same;

Figure 13 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on,the line Iii-l3 of Figure 1.

In the drawings I have shown by way of illustration one embodiment of my invention in which the liquid stored in the truck may be gasoline.

Before proceeding to describe the details of this illustrative embodiment, I will briefly enumerate the main parts of which it is composed.

Carried on the body of a truck of more or less conventional type, is a tank for holding liquid fuel which is divided by partitions into-separate compartments each of which may be independently filled or discharged. Each of the tanks is provided with an outlet valve (dump valve) and also with a breather or vent valve which may open automatically to relieve excess pressure in the compartment or which may be controlled manually.

The outlet or dump valve for each compartment may be controlled manually through the breather or vent valve and the controls are so arranged that when the breather or vent valve is opened, the back pressure is relieved and the outlet valve will be opened and permit the discharge to take place properly, the time interval between the opening of the respective valves being small. In addition to the manual control, I have also provided automatic controls for the outlet valves so that in case of fire or in case of a starting of the engine, all of the outlet valves will be closed automatically.

Manual control may be effected either from the drivers' seat at the front or the truck, or from the rear of the truck where the main outlet which will normally be slightly open when the or dispensing valve is located, so that the attend- I or opening a vent associated with said dispensing valve. The said control device at the rear of the truck further has associated therewith a selector by means of which any one of the compartment outlet valves may be individually controlled.

All of these controls are arranged exterior to the tank, whereby the need for piercing the walls of the tank and the need for stufllng boxes is avoided.

The tank is mounted on a suitable framework and has associated therewith a super structure which serves to enclose the various operating parts, and in particular, provides a chamber to the rear of the tank within which are located the manual controls, mentioned hereinabove, as well as the dispensing valve, and within which the dispensing hose may be stored when it is not in use. A bracket is conveniently provided in this compartment for hanging theend of the dispensing hose in a position at or near the level of the top of the tank so as to minimize dripping of fuel out of the hose when it is not in use.

The compartment just referred to is provided with a door which may be opened to aiford access to the compartment, or closed, this being effected manually, and associated with said dooris an arrangement whereby in' case of excessive temperatures such as may be caused by fire, said door will shut automatically and at the same time operate the control means so as to close any compartment outlet valve or valves that may be opened and also to close the main dispensing valve.

The control mechanism in the rear comparte ment further has associated therewith a second and any of the compartment outlet valves that ,m'ay be open.

The main outlet or dispensing valve is located within said compartment, as already stated, at the end of a main or manifold, into which all of the compartment outlet'valves discharge. The dispensing valve is of improved construction and is provided with means for preventlngdeteriorae tion thereof. These meanscomprise two features. I-he first of these relates to makingthe valve head of a material that is not affected by fuels of the type to be stored in the tank.

In the case of petroleum products, such as gasoline or fuel oil, the valve may be made of substances that are not affected thereby, such as certain synthetic rubbers. The second feature relates to the provision of a gate or auxiliary valve adapted to close automatically if the dispensing valve is broken oil accidentally, and

main dispensing valve is closedso as to permit the passage of fuel into contact with its valve head at all times, whereby the contact of the fuel with said valve head will serveto prevent its deterioration and clogging, and said auxiliary valve is further arranged to be opened wide whenever the main valve is opened by the control means. i

It will be understood that only the main features of the illustrated embodiment disclosed herein have been enumerated in the foregoing general description and that other features will be brought out in the detailed description.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, the chassis 20 of a truck is shown as carrying thereon a structure comprising a tank 2| sub-divided in any suitable. or preferred manner, as by partitions 22 into a plurality of compartments 23 which may be filled and emptied entirely independent of each other. Each compartment is provided with an opening through which it may be emptied into a discharge main or manifold 24. This main 24 opens toward the rear into a dispensing valve 25 and connected to a dispensing hose 23. Both the tank 2i and the main 24 may be inclined so that their contents will run toward the dispensing valve, whereby complete drainage is made possible when the truck is standing level.

Associated with the tank 2 I is a supporting structure 21 and a super structure 23, which is extended at the rear of the truck so as to form a anism which will be described hereinafter.

compartment or space 29 within which the disare located various parts of the control mech- The structures 21 and 23 may be of any suitable or preferred construction. They have been shown illustratively as of suitably contoured sheet maanism so as to close the main dispensing valve terial, such as sheet metal.

In order to provide access to the compartment 23, I have shown the same provided with an opening which may be closed in any suitable or preferred manner, as by a door 30.

In order to provide for filling each of the compartments 23, I have shown a filling structure of a type that has been made the subject of a separate application filed jointly by me and Paul Scott on May 25, 1940, Serial Number 337,269 and now Patent Number 2,409,071, dated Oct. 8, 1946. In general it may comprise a bushing 3| set into the top of the tank and provided with a flange 32 on which seats a head 33 provided with an,

opening arranged to serve as a seat for a valve 34 which is carried by a lever 35 pivoted at 36 to the head 33, and provided with looking mechanism 31. In this manner I provide an adequate and safe closure and valve or cover 34 will normally be maintained in its closed position except when it is desired to fill the'compartment. Access to the filling structure is had through. openings 3'1 in the super-structure 28.

A suitable arrangement has been shown for controlling the discharge of liquid from each compartment 23, and control means are provided whereby an operator may'selectively operate the discharge arrangement associated with any one of the several compartments, to be more fully described hereinafter. Suchmontrol may be effected from-a plurality of stations or operating points, as will appear hereinafter.

'As shown in Figures 1 and 4, and in greater detail in Figure 11, the discharge arrangement associated with each compartment comprises an spot-welding 4|, whereby a firm leakproof joint is secured.

It will be observed that the bottom of each compartment 23 is inclined so as to form a sump 42 at the lowest point of which the plate 38 is positioned. In this manner complete drainage of the compartment 23 is assured.

Each plate-38 further carries means for preventing liquid irom one of the other compartments 23, as it runs through the main 24 towards the dispensing valve 25,'from moving upward into the opening of the plate 38 and pressing against the valve which is associated with this opening, as will be more fully described hereinafter, so as to cause it to open. Such means is shown in the form of a baflie 43 having its lower edge directed towards the dispensing valve 25, that is, it is directed substantially in the direction of flow of fluid as it moves from each compartment 23 toward the valve 25 through the main 24.

Each plate 38 carries means by which the discharge of fluid from each compartment 23 may be controlled. This means may be in the form of a valve 44 comprising a cage 44 suitably secured to the plate 38 as by the threaded engagement shown at 44', and provided with a valve seat 45 adapted to seat thereon a valve head 45 i which is slidable within the cage 44 and which the valve from its seat. It will be observed that the connection between the eye 5| and the link 52 is a loose one, permitting a limited amount of play therebetween for a purpose that will appear hereinafter.

In the upper wall of each compartment and positioned above the discharge valve or dump'44 thereof, is positioned a safety breather or venting arrangement which I have shown associated with the control means for the valve so that it may be controlled manually, as well as operating automatically. This ventin arrangement may comprise a bushing 53 set into the upper wall of each compartment 23 and having a neck portion 54 extending into the tank, and a head portion 55 on which seats a spider 55" provided with arms 55 carrying a guide 51 for a valve stem 59 at the upp r end of which is positioned a valve head 59.

The spider 55 is provided with a valve seat 59 on which the valve head 59 is adapted to seat.

The valve stem 58 is shown provided with a threaded extension 5| on which is mounted a collar 62, between which and suitable abutments 93, provided on the arms 56, and surrounding the guide 51, is positioned a compression coil spring 84 for the purpose of maintaining the valve head 59 in its closed position. This collar 62 is shown adjustable in position, whereby the pressure exerted by spring 64 may be accurately adjusted.

At the lower end of the extension 9| is carried a forked arm 95 provided with a cross pin 65 8 which engages a hook 61 on the upper end of the link 52. I

It will be observed on viewing Figure 11 that the connection of the link at this point is also a loose one, 'whereby before the link 52 can be moved to raise the discharge valve 46, the valve 59 will be caused to open. In order to provide a liquid and gas tight closure between the bushin .53 and the wall of the compartment 23, as well as to secure the bushing in place, it may be spot welded in place, as shown at 68.

An extension 69 projects above the valve heads 59, which extension is provided with a reduced portion 19 having a shoulder 1| thereon which may be engaged by acomplementary shoulder or abutment 1| within the bore of a sleeve 12 that is mounted for sliding movement within a cylindrical extension 13 carried by a cap 14 that seats over the spider 55, andwhich, together with the spider 55P,'is secured to the head 55 in any'suitable or preferred manner, as by screws 15.

A plug 16 is secured within the sleeve 12, as by being threaded thereto, as shown, and this plug is provided with a slot 11 registering with a slot 18 in the sleeve 12 and a slot 19 in the extension 13, and into this slot extends one arm 89 of a bell crank lever 8|, pivotally mounted on a cap 14, as shown at 82.

The other arm 83 of the bell crank lever is provided with a clamping arrangement 83a for receiving a control cable 84 as is clearly shown in Figures 11 and 12. The arm 83, it will be seen from these figures, is peculiarly contoured so that the cable 84 avoids the valve parts.

It will now be observed that on pulling cable 84 the arm 89 of the bell crank lever 8| will rise and will raise the sleeve 12, thereby lifting the valve head 59, whereupon the pressure in the compartment will be maintained at that of the atmosphere. As the lifting continues, the link 52 will be raised by engagement of its hook portion 61 withthe pin 66, and ultimately the compartment outlet valve head 46 will be lifted from its seat and liquid will drain from the compartment into the main 24. When the cable 84 is released the valve 45 will first be forced by the spring 49 into its closed position, and thereafter the valve 59 will be closed by the action of spring 64.

In order to prevent ignition of the fuel in the compartments 23, I have provided'for each a foraminous screen 85, in the form of a cap, the lower free edge portions of which are clamped between two annular members 86, which latter seat on the spider 55. The entire screen as just described, is positioned within the cap 14. The action of a screen of this type in preventing ignition of a body of combustible liquid is so well known that no further description is believed necessary.

It will be noted that if the pressure insid a compartment 23 should become so great as to overcome the resistance of the spring 84 the valve head 59 will be raised from its seat thereby without disturbing the valve 44, this being possible because of the loose connection of the valve stem 58 to the link 52, which has been described hereinabove.

It will be observed that the extent of the loose connection is adjustable because of the threaded engagement between the forked arm 65 and the threaded extension SI of the valve stem 58.

In order to guard against the effects of an excessive pressure within the hollow of the cap 14, such as may be caused when the valve 59 opens because of the excessive pressure in compartment 29 or for other reasons. the cap I4 is shown provided with vent openings 91 at its sides, and further with vent openings 99 at'its top. which are normally closed by thin fusible'plates 99 such as thin lead plates or plugs, and these will be caused to yield either by excessiveprssure or. by excessive temperature. thereby providing additional vents.

It will be understood that each compartment 29 is provided with a vent arrangement and an outlet valve 44 associated as Just described. The cables 94 are guided. each along a conduit 99 (see Figs. 1,- 2 and 5), to a selector 9I, mounted on a bracket 9|", which is shown carried on the end plate or head 9 I of the tank 2 I. In general, however, it may be stated that the selector comprises 1 an outer cylinder 92 within which is slldable a plunger 99 which may be moved up or down by means of a control lever 94,.and which lslirged upwardly by somemeans such as a spring 8, so

7 that when the lever 94 is free to move, the plunger will move into a, position in which all of the compartment outlet valves are closed, and the lever 94 will move into a corresponding position. A sleeve 95 serves to establish connection selectively between the plunger and a single one of the cables 84 whereby when the plunger 93 is-depressed by moving the lever into the position shown in Figure 5, the said cable 94 will be pulled down, thereby operating one of the compartment outlet and vent valves, as has been, described. The other cables 94 however, are not pulled, and thevalves associated therewith remain closed.

The operation of the selector 9| maybe accomplished as ,follows: Each cable 84 carries at the end thereof a vertical sliding rod 94; extending into the cylinder 92. Upon the rod 84 1s a collar 94 positioned to be engaged by the abutment or stop 93 which is secured to the plunger 93 in any suitable manner, as by a set screw 93 This plunger 93 is rotatable upon a central rod 99 so as to selectively move the abutment or stop 93 in line with the collar 94' of one rod 94. The sleeve 95 serves to establish the. selective connection with the plunger 93 by means of a spline 93 into'which key 95 extends. 'An annular groove 92 is formed in the lower portion of the cylinder 92, into which groove a set screw 95 is disposed thru the sleeve;

95. The upper end of the housing or cylinder is secured to an anchor plate 92 which in turn serves as a terminus for'the lowerends of the conduits 99.

The spring, S. is more or less auxiliary to the springs in the vent and compartment outlet valves forretuming the operating mechanism to its normal or closed position. In selecting-a particular compartment sleeve 95 is rotated manually until the abutment 93, engages the collar 84, of the particular rod for that compartment. To open the compartment lever 94 i now actuated in an obvious manner.

The details of the operating lever 94 and the various controls associated therewith will now be described with the aid of Figures 5, 6, '7 and 8. Figure 5 shows the lever 94 in a position -in which the extreme left hand cable 84 hasbeen pulled down so as to open one of the compartment outlet valves 44 and at the same time the 4 main dispensing valve 25 has been opened, and Figures 6 and 7 show the lever 94 in a position in which all the compartment outlet valves 44 are closed and also in which the main dispensing valve 25 is closed.

It will be observed that the lever 94 is fixedly mounted on a stub shaft 95 that is jourualled in alink-l'l pivotally connected, asat 91, on the to the" plunger 99, and whereby movement of the lever 94 is transmitted to the said plunger 93, and a second crank arm I99 is also carried by the stub shaft 99 and serves, by connections to bedescribed hereinafter, to operate the dispensing valve 25.

As already noted, the plunger 93 tends, when released, to move into'its uppermost position and carry with it the lever 94. This position is shown in Figure 6.

In order to hold the lever 94 in the position shown in Figure 5, in which it has opened one of the compartment outlet valves 44- and also the dispensing valve 25, I have shown means which may be described collectively as a toggle, and which comprises a link I9I, pivoted at anintermediate point thereof, as at I92, on a bracket I99 which projectsfrom the link 91. A link I94 is pivoted at one end as at I95 to the lever 94, and at its other endit is pivoted as at I99 to one end of a link III], the other end of which is pivoted asatl99,tothelinkl9l.

In the position ofthe parts just described as they are" shown in Figure 5, it will be observed that the pivots I95, I99 and I98 are aligned into what may be called a dead center position, and therefore lock the lever 94 in its depressed position as shown in Figure 5.

Breaking of the toggle in a downward direction is normally prevented by a pin I99, which abuts against an inclined surface II9 on the end of the link I94. This pin I99 is made of fusible material so that when the temperature becomes excessive, as in case of fire, it will fuse and thereby I99 is'a little below the dead center position whereby any possibility of the toggle failing to break when the pin I99 melts will be avoided.

In order to readily and conveniently release the lever 94 from its locked position, I have shown means for this purpose carried by the lever 94 and comprising a rod III mounted for sliding movement in 9, lug I I2 and urged upwardly by the spring II3. At its upper end the rod III is pivotally connected, as at 4, to a bell crank II5 pivotall'y carried by the lever 94 as shown at H6. The other arm III of the bell crank H5 is positioned so as to be movable toward the handle I I8 I I9 of the rod I I I will move down and against the end face I29 of the link I94 at a point which is laterally oilset from the pivot I95, whereby the pivot I99 at the other end of the link will be caused to move upward and to break the toggle. Once the toggle is broken, the lever 94, as already explained, will move into its upright position as shown in Figure 6.

The-lever 94 is prevented from moving above I its upright position as shown in Figure 6, both bythe pin I99 and by an inclined shoulder I2I on the link I9I, both of which abut against the side of the link I94, as shown in Figure 6.

It has already been mentioned that the stub shaft 96 carries a crank arm I which serves to operate the dispensing valve, 25 whenever the lever 94' is operated. This operation may be effected through a pitman I2I. adjustable in length, as indicated at I22, pivoted at its upper end, as at I23 to the crank arm I00, and at its lower end as at I 24, to a crank arm I25, the latter being carried on a stub shaft I26, journalled in the discharge end portion I26 of the valve casing I21. The portion of the stub shaft I26 that is within the casing portion I26 carries a crank arm I28 which extends into a slot on the end I29 of valve stem I30 on which the valve head I3I is mounted. The valve stem is shown mounted for slidable movement in a spider I32 which is suitably secured to the end of the valve casing I21, as by a bushing I33 engaging a shoulder I34 on the spider I32, and mounted in threaded engagement on the valve casing I21.

A compression coil spring I35 serves to hold the valve head I3I in its seat I36 within the casing when the valve stem and head are free to 7 move. The valve is then in its closed position, and the lever 94 and the various linkages are so arranged that when the valve is in this closed position the compartment outlet or dump valves 44 will also be in their closed position. All of the parts will then be in the relative positions shown in Figure 6.

When the lever 94 is moved down into the position of Figure 5, the end of the crank arm I will move down from the position of Figure 6 and the end of the crank arm I28 will move to the right and push the valve head I 3I to the right, against the resistance of spring I35, thereby opening the valve for the discharge of fuel from the discharge main 24 into the dispensing hose 12 Wide open position as shown in Figure 5. In other words, when'the lever- 94 is operated to open the dispensing valve 25, the valve I43 will be simultaneously moved into a wide-open position in which it does not impede the flow of fuel fromthe main 24 to the dispensing valve 25.

The extension I39 is united to the plug I40 by a thin-walled portion I 49 that is readily frangible,,so that if the valve 25 should be broken off accidentally, the break will occur at said portion I49", If the valve 25 is broken oil, the spring I5I will be released, and the valve I43 will then drop, by gravity, into its closed position, thereby shutting off the main 24 and preventing the loss of fuel even if the compartment outlet valves be open.

As mentioned hereinabove, the valve head I 3I is preferably made of a material that is not affected by the particular liquid that is stored in the tanks. By permitting contact of the fuel with the valve head I3I, it will be kept clean and in proper condition.

In order to provide for proper drainage of I the dispensing hose end I26 of the valve casing I21 when the dispensing valve is shut, a venting system has been provided which will be operative only when the valve head I3I is in its closed position, and will become inoperative, so as to maintain the casing closed while the fuel is dis- 26, which latter is attached to the valve casing I21 in any suitable or preferred manner, as by the hose coupling I 36 which may be of conventional type. and which engages a threaded extension I31 of the valve casing I21.

The spider I33 is shown as provided with an extension I38, which is shown as in threaded engagement with an extension I39 of a plug I that is shown as threaded into the main 24 and as having a neck I4I extending into the said main. The neck MI is provided with an opening I42 at its inner end, which is adapted to be closed by a valve I43 mounted on an arm I44 which is pivoted at I45 at a point inside the neck MI. The valve seat I46 surrounding the opening I42 is inclined as shown in Figure 6 and the pivot I45 is so located that, when the valve is free to move, it will, by the force of gravity, drop into its closed position.

Since it is desired, as mentioned hereinabove, to have the liquid fuel in contact with the valve head I3I, at all times, an arrangement is provided for keeping the valve I43 slightly raised from its seat. Such an arrangement is shown in the form of a rod I41 pivoted atone end, as at I48, to the arm I44, and having its other end I49 slidable in a bore I49 in the valve stem I30.

A collar I50 mounted on the rod I41 serves as an abutment between which and the spider I32 is positioned a coil spring I5I which is under such compression that it will lift the valve I43 ofl? its seat I46, as shown in Figure 6.

The bore I49 in the valve stem I30 is of limited depth so that when the valve stem I30 moves to the right, the end I49 of rod I41 will strike the bottom of. the bore, whereby continued movementof the valve stem I30 will move the rod I41 to the right and raise the valve I43 into its charging through the valve, This arrangement will now be described in detail.

A vent opening I52 is provided in the valve casing portion I26 between the valve I3I and the point of attachment of the dispensing hose 26. By referring to Figures 5 and 6 it will be observed that it is there shown located in a dome shaped pocket at the top of the valve casing portion I26 within which the end of the stub shaft I26 and the arm I28 are located. A pipe connection I53 is set into the opening I52, and a pipe I54 leads upward therefrom to a. valve I55 carried by the bracket I03. From the other side of the valve I55 a pipe I56 extends upwardly to a level above the top of the tank 2 I.

The details of the valve are shown in Figure 8, from which it will appear that the valve casing I 56 is divided into two compartments by a vertical partition I51 within which is. an opening provided with a seat I51"- for a valve head I58. The valve is provided with a stem I59 carrying the head I58 and having its end I60 projecting outside of the casing through the stufling box I6 I.

A stem I62 projects from the other side of the valve and serves to guide a. compression coil spring I 63 that seats in a cap I64 in the wall of the casing, and by removing which access may be had to the valve. The spring I63 maintains the valve head I58 normally in its closed position on the seat I51.

The pipe I54 communicates, through pipe connections I65 of an suitable or preferred type, with one of the chambers of the valve I55, while the pipe I56 communicates through connections I66 with the other compartment of the valve I55.

A lug I61 is shown projecting from the hub I68 of the crank arm I00, which is keyed to the stub shaft 96, and on the lug I61 is positioned a stop I68 which is adapted to strike the end I60 of the valve stem and thereby to open the valve by moving the valve head I58 from its seat. The stop I60 is preferably made adjustable, as shown in Figure 8, whereby the point of opening of the valve I 55 may be accurately predetermined.

When the lever 94 is in the position of Figure 6, the dispensing valve 25 is closed, and the arm 13 I is raised, while the lug I51 is so positioned that the stop I99 pushes the valve stem I59 inward so that the valve I58 moves from its seat.

Thereby the discharge end of the dispensing of Figure the dispensing valve-25 is opened and.

the crank arm I00 and lug I61 are depressed, whereby the valve stem I59 is released and the valve I55 closes. No fuel can therefore escape through the valve I55.

The automatic operation of the selector 9| in case of fire, by the melting of the fusible pin I09 has already been mentioned.

When this occurs-the toggle comprising links I04, and I01 breaks down and the lever 94 moves into its upright position (as in Figure 5) and the dispensing valve 25 closes as well as the compartment outlet or dump valves 44.

A second automatic operating feature is shown in Figures 1, 5 and 13. It relates to the automatic closing of the valves when it is attempted to startthe truck without the dump and the dispensing valves being closed.

' 14 v s toggle comprising the links I94 and I01. whereby the operating lever 94 is released and moves from the position shown in Flcure 5 into what is shown in Figure 8, in which the compartment outlet valve 44 and the dispensing valve are both in their closed positions.

It will therefore be observed that as soon as the drive shaft I59 commences to rotate. the flow of liquid into the main 24 and out of said main will be automatically interrupted, whereby it will be impossible to start the truck with thecontrol valves in their operative or dispensing position.

Also connected to the arm I92 of the lever I83 is a control cable III which is guided through a conduit I91 laid exteriorly to the tank 2|, to the truck as shown-in Figure 2, and a handle I92 may be provided on the end of the cable I90, this handle being positioned so a to be within easy reach of a driver or other attendant when seated in the driver's seat. It will therefore be evident that without leaving his seat, the

' driver inay cause the compartment valves 44 and The drive shaft of the truck is shown at I69.

It carries, suitably secured thereto, a cam I10 provided with humps or raised portions I", which, as the shaft I69 rotates, strike the nose I1I= of the lever "2, which is pivoted at I13 to a bracket I14, secured in any suitable or preferred manner, as indicated at I15, to a frame portion I16 of the truck. a

Pivotally connected to the lever I12 is a link I11which at its other end is connected to a control cable I18 which passes through a suitable guide I19 on thebracket I14 into a conduit I90 which leads, as shown in Figs. 1 and 5, to the rear compartment 29 and extends'to the upper portion of the saidcompartment, its upper end being secured to a bracket I8I. The latter may be supported from any suitable portion of v the truck. By way of illustration I have shown it as mounted on the rear head 9| of the tank 2|. The con-.-

duit is laid exteriorly of the tank 2I, being shown as passing underneath it and the cable I18 has its end I82 secured to one arm I83 of a lever I83, which i pivotally mounted as at I84 on a bracket I85, the latter being mounted on any suitable portion of the truck. By way of example it is also shown as mounted on the head 9| of the tank 2I.

The other arm I83 of the lever I83 extends to the rear of th pivot I84 whereas the arm I83 is to the front of said pivot, whereby when the totation of the drive shaft I69 causes a depression of the lever I12 and a pull on the cable I18 re sulting from this depression, the cable I18 will pull down the arm I83"- and will raise the arm I83 thereby also raising a link I86 carried by said arm and pulling upward a cable -I81 which has its upper end connected to the link I86 and its lower end connected as shown at I88 to the outer end of the lever IOI,.already dscribedln connection with the toggle mechanism associated with the control arm 94. This cable is suitably guided in any preferred manner as by means of guides, one of these guides I89 being shown mounted on the bracket I8I, and when the cable is pulled upwardly it pulls up the free end of the lever IN and causes the inner end of this lever, with its pivot I02, to move down and thereby break the the dispensing valve 25 to close by pulling on'the handle I92, which will have the effect of raising the arm I83" of the lever I83 and causing it to pull the cable I81 which causes a shutting off of these valves, as already explained in connection with their automatic shutting off resulting from the rotation of the drive shaft I69.

A further automatic valve. cont ol feature is associated with the door 20 which 0 oses the compartment 29. By referring to Figures 1 and 5.

particularly the latter, it will be observed that the door 30 is mounted on a bracket or brackets I93, which are pivoted as at I94 to the superstructure 28, so that the door is movable about said pivot point I94. An arm I95 projects inward from the door 30 and also upwardly when r the door is in its closed position and this arm carries at its free end a pin I98, which, when the door is closed moves upwardly and strikes the end of the arm I89 of the lever I83 as indicated in dot and dash lines, until the said arm is raised into the position indicated in dotand .dash lines in Figure 5. When the arm I83 is moved into this position it pulls on the cable I81 as already described in connection with the automatic drive shaft control to close the compartment outlet valve and the main dispensing valve.

In order to hold the-door 80 in its op n position as shown in Figure 5, I have provided a toggle arrangement comprising links I91 and I98.

' The link I91 is pivoted, as at I99, .to a bracket 200 on the door 30 while the link I98 is pivoted at its inner end as at 20I to the'bracket-IBI. The links are united by a. common pivot 202 and the toggle arrangement 50 formed is prevented from breaking downwardly by a pin 203 which engages an inclined surface 204 at the inner end of the link I91. The toggle, however, is free tobreak upwardly.

When it is desired to close the door the operator may manually break thetoggle either by pushing up the pivot 202 or by depressing the extreme outer end 205 of the link I91, which will cause the parts, to move into the dot and dash line position shown in Figure 5. Thereafter he can shut the door 30 and this shutting of the door will automatically close the compartment dump valves 44 and the dispensing valve 25.

I have further provided means for effecting the closing of the door 30, automatically and thereby closing the valves as described should the temperature in the neighborhood of the door 15 become excessive, as in case of fire. For this purpose the pin 203 may be made of fusible material which will melt under such condition of excessive temperature, and after the pin 203 has melted the toggle will break downwardly, which will have the same eifect that has been described as resulting when the toggle is broken upwardly by manipulation of the same. In order to assure automatic breaking of the tog le it may be found'desirable to locate the pin 203 so that the pivot 202 is slightly below a position in which it is aligned with pivots I99 and 20l Upon referring to Figure 3, the intended position of the dispensing hose 26 when it is not in use and stored in the compartment 29, will be made, clear. In order to hold it in the position there shown, I have provided a convenient brackct and clamping arrangement, the details of which I have further illustrated in Figs: 9 and 10.

Supported from an extension of the top wall of the tank is shown a bracket 206 which carrie's a semi-cylindrical guide or rest 20'! that is vertically disposed that carries a socket 206 into which the. end of the hose 26 may be placed.

Pivot lly mounted on the guide 201, as on a bracket 208, is a bell crank 209 having an arm 2| 0 extending through a slot 2 in the guide, and an arm 2 connected to a-rod 2| 3, which may be manipulated by means of a handle or 1ever 2|6 mounted for pivotal movement on the guide, and adapted to movethe rod 2| 3 through a crank arm 2l5 which is in fixed relation to the handle or lever H6. The pivotal mounting of the bell crank 209 includes-a pin or stub shaft M2, to one end of which the bell crank 209 is secured, and which passes through the bracket 208. To the other end of thepin 2|2 is secured a crank arm 2, which extends through a slot 2! in the guide 201, and which duplicates dimensionally the arm 2| 0 of the bell crank 209. The arms 2l0 and 2|! form a system which is adapted to engage shoulders 2| 9 on a collar or end fitting 220 carried by the hose.

It will therefore be observed that in order to release the hose the operator merely manipulates the lever 2l6, moving it to the left as it. is shown in Figure 9, and thereby the arms 2l0 and 2|! are moved down and will release the fitting 220 whereby the end of the hose is released. When it is desired to replace the hose the attendant guides its end portions along the guideway 20'! so that it enters the socket 206, after which he manipulates the lever H0 by moving it downwardly into the position shown in Figure 9 in which the arms 2l0 engage the shoulder H9.

The convenience of this construction need hard- 1y be pointed out. It will be observed that the lever H6 is located at a level so as to bring it within convenient reach of the operator, while the end of the dispensing hose 26 is hung out of his reach and substantially on a level with the top of the tank, whereby assurance is obtained that no drippage from the hose end can take place and at the same time the hose is out of the way, and will not interfere with the operation of the valve controls.

It will now be understood that I have provided a construction in which all the objects mentioned hereinabove are obtained, and in which the operations of dispensing can be carried out safely and with great convenience and in which various safeguards are provided that will assure the safety of the attendant, as well as the contents .of the truck. It is to be noted particularly that the liquid containing and storing parts are completely enclosed and in particular the only openings in the tank and its compartments, not counting the filling structure, which is closed during the dispensing operation are the vent and outlet valves while the controls instead of passing through stuffing boxes in the tank walls are positioned exteriorly of the tank. The only opening in each compartment below the liquid level of the tank is the outlet valve.

While I have herein shown one embodiment of my invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied in many other forms without departing from the spirit thereof, as will be observed by those skilled in the art and that the disclosure herein is to be interpreted as illustrative only, and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use,- what I claim as new and desire to I ing means for said passage, said means for operating said vent valving-means and said outlet valving means including a connector therebetween whereby during positive operation of the vent valving means, the outlet valving means will be moved to the open position,- the vent valving .means being mounted to permit venting of the chamber independently of the operation of the valving means for the outlet opening, said means for positively operating said valving means including a connection to said dispensing valving means whereby, upon operaton thereof to the open position for dispensing, said vent valving means and the outlet valving means are in the open position.

' 2. A tank for storing and dispensing inflammable liquids, said tank comprising a plurality of compartments isolated from each other, an outlet valve at the bottom of each compartment, a vent valve at the top of ,each compartment, and means interconnecting said valves for simultaneously operating the outlet valve and the vent valve of each compartment, the vent valve and the means interconnecting said outlet and vent valves being formed and extended to permit the vent valve to open and vent the chamber for venting operation independently of the outletvalve, and including means connected to the outlet valve which, upon operation of the venting valve beyond the limits for independent venting of said chamber by said liquids, said tank being partitioned into a plurality 17 of compartments that may be independently filled and drained, a venting valve having an independent operation by gaseous pressure within each said compartment, and an outlet valve at the bottom of each compartment) a main for taneously maintaining in open position anyselected one of said venting and outlet valves with saiddispensing valve, or for simultaneously releasing all said valves to the closed position.

4. In a tank truck for storing and dispensing inflammable liquids, a tank for receiving said liquids, said tank being, partitioned into a plurality of compartments that may be independently filled and. drained, an outlet valve and a vent valve in each compartment, a main for receiving the discharge from said outlet valve,'a dispensing valve for delivering and discharging liquid from said main, said vent valve being positioned above the level of the fluid in the tank, and manually operable means external to the tank serving as a single means for controlling said vent valve and said dispensing valve, and mechanism including connecting linkage between said vent valve and said outlet valve in each compartment for causing said outlet valve to be maintained in the open position when said vent valve is opened beyond the venting position, and for releasing said outlet valve to the closed position when said vent valve is closed and selector mechanism for operating vent and outlet valves in any one of said individual compartments. J

5. In a tank construction in accordance with claim 4, wherein said outlet valve, vent valve and dispensing valve are interconnected by linkage where upon operation of the dispensing valve for discharging the liquid from the main, said operation of the dispensing valve will simultaneously serve to operatively maintain the vent valve open, thereby simultaneously maintaining in their operative position; the said dispensing valve, the outlet valve and the vent valve.

6. In a truck tank for storing inflammable liquids, a tank for receiving said liquids, said tank being partitioned into a plurality of compartments that may be independently filled and drained, an outlet valve and a vent valve in each compartment, said vent and outlet valves being connected together, a main for receiving the liquids discharged from said outlet valve, a dispensing valve for delivering and discharging said liquids from-said main, an operating member and a selector mechanism having means connecting said operating member with said dispensing valve wherein a'selection may be made to drain one of the compartments independent of any other, said selector mechanism also having mechanism connecting the, operating member to the vent valve and in turn connecting the vent valve to the outlet valve wherein an operation of the dispensingvalve will "simultaneously serve to maintain operative the selected one of the outlet valves and vent valves.

7'. In a'tank truck for storing and dispensing.

liquids having inflammable components, a common dispensing valve through which said liquids are discharged, a tank having a plurality of compartments, each controlled by a .vent valve, discharge means for each compartmentincluding an outlet valve, said vent and outlet valves being connected together 'for controlling said discharge to the dispensing valve and manually operated means for controlling said outlet valve, and inter- "relatedly including means for operating said dispensing valve, the combination therewith of thermally responsive means for controlling the eilfectiveness of said manually operated means, wherebyupon the occurrence of conditions where the thermally responsive means become effective, the dispensing valve will move to a closed position and the outlet. and vent valves will thereby be released to the closed position and selector mechanism for operating vent and outlet valves in any one of said individual compartments.

. 8. 'In. a tank truck for storing and dispensing inflammable liquids, a tank partitioned into a plurality of individual compartments, a vent valve and outlet valve associated with each compartment, with a common main to receive the liquid controlled by the outlet valves, said vent and outlet valves being connected together, a dispensing valvefor controlling discharge of liquid from said main and operating means therefor, and mechanical means operable when the drive shaft of the engine rotates, connected with the said operating means for closing the dispensing valve and for simultaneously closing any of the compartment outlet valves that may be open and selector mechanism for operating vent and outlet valves in any one of said individual compartments.

9. In a tank truck for the delivery of gasoline.

having a tank divided into a plurality of compartments,'the combination wherein each c0mpartment includes a normally closed top vent valve and a bottom compartment valve to control discharge of fluid from the compartment, the vent valve and the compartment valve being connected through a lost motion connection so that upon movement of the vent valve to the open position it will be free to move to a partially open position independently of the compartment valve and thereafter, upon continued movement to the will move in unison with the vent valve to the open position thereof, said compartment valves all leading to a single delivery conduit, a separate dispensing valve for regulating the discharge of gasoline from the said delivery conduit, selective manual control means for selectively actuating the vent valves independently one from another and thus to similarly actuate the compartment valves, said selective manual control means concurrently actuating the dispensing valve so that a single movement of the manual-control will open or close the selected vent and compartment valve as well as the dispensing valve.

10. A tank truck for the delivery of gasoline in accordance with claim 9 wherein said dispensing valve includes a venting valve and tube, including mechanism for opening and closing said venting valve in response to the closing and opening, respectively, of the dispensing v'alve, thereby permitting free drainage of gasoline from the dispensing valve after it has been closed.

11. In a tank truck for the delivery of gasoline in accordance with claim 9, the combination therewith of ahinged closure covering a' bucket compartment in which the manual control is disposed, including interlocking latch mechanism operable by the hinged closure to latch the manual control in operated position, including means which, uponshutting of the closure will permit the manual control to be released, thereby releasing valves to move to the closed position, and including fusible means to release the latch upon melting of the fusible means, thus to close the closure.

12. The combination with a tank having an unloading valve including a casing having a discharge end adapted to have a hose connected thereto, a seat spaced, inwardly from said end, a movable closure element normally engaging said seat, a rock shaft in said casing outwardly of said seat and a lever on said shaft in connection with said closure element whereby to open the latter upon proper rocking of said shaft, of a vent contluit in connection with said casing outwardly of said seat and a self-closing valve for said conduit,

and means connected with said lever arranged to cause the conduit valve to open as said lever moves during the closing movement of said closure element.

13. In a tank truck for storing and dispensing inflammable liquids, a tank for receiving said liquids, said tank being partitioned into a plurality of compartments that may be independently filled and drained, 'the' combination comprising a, venting valve and an outlet valve for each compartment, each venting valve being independently operable by gaseous pressure within each said compartment, the outlet valve being at the bottom of each compartment, common main for receiving the discharge from each of said outlet valves, a delivery valve for controlling and discharging liquid'from the main, an operating control member for said delivery valve, means mechanically interconnecting each of said ventingvalves with the corresponding outlet valve in each compartment, said operating control member for said delivery valve including selector means for selectively engaging said operating member for said delivery valve with a venting and outlet valve of a selected compartment for simultaneously opening a selected one of said outlet valves and venting valves upon the opening operation of said dispensing valve or for simultaneously closing said venting and outlet valves with the closing operation of said delivery valve by said control member.

14; In a, tank truck in accordance with claim 13 wherein the connection between each of said venting valves and the outlet valves is by a lost motion linkage, to open the venting valve before the outlet valve is opened upon opening operation of the control member for said delivery valve.

15. In tank trucks for liquids having a tank and a main extended therefrom and including an interconnectingventing valve and outlet valve for discharging liquid therefrom, the combination comprising a dispensing valve for said tank, said dispensing valve comprising a valve casing, a

valve head, a seat for' said valve head, a spring for closing said valve head, said casing having a frangible connection to said main for said tank, a control member connected to said valve head for normally holding the same in open position against the tension of said spring, and an emergency valve being so connected and related to said valve head as to remain open, so that the liquidwill contact the valve head as long as the frangible connection is unbroken, said valve casing providing a support for the control member, whereby upon the fracture of said frangible connection said casing will deprive said'control member of its support whereby said spring will cause said valve head to close and also cause theemergency valve to close. I

16. In tank trucks for liquids, as defined in claim 15 wherein said control member is so connected to the outlet and vent valves as to normally hold the same in open position, and upon the fracture of the frangible connection will result in the closing of said latter valves.

CARLYLE H. SCOTT.

REFERENCES CITED 9 The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,004,716 Thwaits June 11, 1935 2,037,021 Holby Apr. 14, 1936 1,509,425 Giifen Sept. 23, 1924 2,183,987 De Frees Dec. 19, 1939 1,368,703 Czerny Feb. 15, 1921 2,236,824 Kroif Apr. 1, 1921 1,776,877 Youkese Sept. 30, 1930 1,713,102 Stedweii May 14, 1929 1,051,121 Konig Jan. 21, 1913 436,151 Ripley Sept. 9, 1890 1,705,649 Scott Mar. 19, 1929 1,932,972 Jensen Oct. 31, 1933 169,873 White Nov. 9, 1875 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 415,849 Great Britain 'Q Sept. 6, 1934 

